Ukraine war: Putin offers citizenship to foreigners who fight for Russia

President Vladimir Putin of Russia issued a decree on Thursday. This decree allows foreign nationals who are fighting for Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to obtain Russian citizenship. This includes not only the individuals themselves but also their families. To qualify, these individuals must provide documentation proving that they have committed to a minimum of one year of service. This can be with the regular armed forces or other military formations, which could include groups like the Wagner mercenary organisation.

This move appears to be a strategic attempt to incentivise foreigners with military experience to join the Russian ranks. The exact number of foreign fighters on Russia's side in Ukraine is not publicly known, as Moscow does not release this data. However, reports have surfaced of Cubans and Africans who have enlisted in the Russian military, lured by substantial financial incentives. Tragically, two of the African recruits were killed in action.

A declassified US intelligence report estimates that the Ukraine war has inflicted heavy casualties on Russia. The report suggests that nearly 90% of the personnel Russia had at the start of the conflict, approximately 315,000 troops, have been killed or wounded. In September 2022, Russia drafted an additional 300,000 men, marking its first mobilisation since World War II. Despite speculation that Russia might resort to another draft, possibly after the upcoming presidential election in March, the Kremlin maintains that no further mobilisation is necessary. This is because hundreds of thousands of men voluntarily enlisted last year. The extent of the losses on both the Russian and Ukrainian sides remains undisclosed. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated last month that his military might need to mobilise an additional 450,000-500,000 individuals. The Ukrainian parliament is currently reviewing a draft legislation that could potentially tighten and expand mobilisation rules.